Photography and Conservation

The subject is always pristine and sacred. The best suggestions on wildlife photography and conservation ethics appears on all wildlife and nature photographer’s websites and books – no picture is worth the harm or the discomfort to the subject, be it animals or just open land. A very nice place to photograph captive wildlife is zoos.

However, please be considerate of the fact that wherever your photographing wildlife, the best shots come when the subjects are allowed the comfort of distance and seclusion. The blogs & notes section gives some ideas of how to photograph in various places, including zoos and reserves.

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Wildlife photography ethics

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As with any other ethics, these are suggestions that are beneficial to all elements of the eco system. Its a thrill to photograph the world, to look in the eye of a bird or a wild beast through the lens, and in return we ask ourselves to protect them and the environment around. With that in mind, various environmental and wildlife conservation organizations have put together some very simple and easy to abide code of conduct.

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• Be sensitive to the need of the subject. Do not endanger the subject, its habitat or its forage.
• Do not risk a shot if it puts your life in danger either. No image is worth a life.
• Use lens of appropriate focal length so that you would not be tempted to cross the line. Most subjects are not harmed with flashlight. Using beamers could help you get just the right touch of light without harm without moving in too close.
• Always keep the contacts of the local ranger or keeper. Should you see an animal in danger, call in the ranger.
• Do not attempt to lure animals with food. This is not only dangerous for yourself, it has a devastating effect on the wild animals too. Similarly, do not try to scare or attract wild animals with sudden motion or noise. You have stepped into their “home”, so please be a proper “guest”.
• Be courteous to fellow photographers. Everyone is eyeing the same shot, so please be patient if you are waiting to get in “the spot” or have the courtesy to vacate “the spot” to others after you have some some frames.
• As it is said, do not leave anything but your foot print and carry the memory, and your “photographs”. Please do not litter. At the same time, knowledge of the area would help you prepare well with water, medicines or emergency provisions. Personally, if i plan to spend more than two hours at a stretch, i carry a small water pack with me. For longer durations and where I have to walk far from my vehicle, I carry dry fruits and biscuits as snacks. Hinger makes you jittery and you tend to do un lawful acts to get that right shot.
• Some wildlife and birds are declared “endangered”. While most of these conservation areas are out of reach of the general public, it always helps to protect any that it yet to be endangered. Obey locational rules especially during breeding seasons.
• There are abundant life in what we often cannot see with our naked eye. Some of these, like microbes or camouflaged creatures, could be harmful to you. Protect yourself clinically from such moulds, microbes or poisonous camouflages. The more you live healthy, the more you will be able to see, learn and photograph.
• Teach and practice what you preach.

Wildlife & Nature Conservation Organizations
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The need for conservation and eco-protection is increasing ever more. There are a large number of organizations that work diligently towards this goal. I prefer to be involved with local agencies and contribute to the national and international ones. Of the known, National Geographic Society & The World Wildlife Fund aka Panda Club have been working all around the world saving life. Even a small contribution helps.

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Of special interest to photographers, the North American Nature Photography Association aka NANPA have significant history of eco protection and wildlife conservation. The Audobon Society has a special interest in birds but helps in all conservation efforts. Membership or buying publications of these houses also contribute to helping the conservation efforts.